Chewing paws in dogs

By
✔ MRCVS
BSc
BVM&S
FHEA
Updated October 16, 2025
5 min read

What to do

Causes

When to worry

Prevention

Diagnosis

Home treatment

Recommended products

Vet treatment

Risk

Other reasons

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Chewing paws in dogs

By
✔ MRCVS
BSc
BVM&S
FHEA
Updated October 16, 2025
5 min read

Most dogs chew their paws at some point or another. Usually it's one-off and triggered by something mildly irritating between the toes. But when chewing is frequent and severe, it can be both an effect and the cause of chronic pain and distress.

Humans can scratch or rub an itch virtually anywhere. But without hands, dogs rely on chewing or biting their paws as a means to relieve skin irritation. Problems arise when chewing does not relieve the problem, so it keeps going. Or when chewing becomes a habit. In these cases, the result is often painful infections, lameness and chronic skin disease. Talk to a vet if you notice your dog is chewing their paws.

What to do if your dog is chewing their paws >What to do if your dog is chewing their paws [What to do

What are the most common reasons for dogs chewing their paws? >What are the most common reasons for dogs chewing their paws? [Causes

When to worry if your dog is chewing their paws >When to worry if your dog is chewing their paws [When to worry

Ways to help prevent your dogs from chewing their paws >Ways to help prevent your dogs from chewing their paws [Prevention

Things to look out for when dogs chew their paws >Things to look out for when dogs chew their paws [Diagnosis

Ways to help your dog at home if they’re chewing their paws >Ways to help your dog at home if they’re chewing their paws [Home treatment

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What vet treatments are there for dogs chewing their paws? >What vet treatments are there for dogs chewing their paws? [Vet treatment

Which dogs are most likely to chew their paws and why? >Which dogs are most likely to chew their paws and why? [Risk

What other reasons might there be for dogs chewing their paws? >What other reasons might there be for dogs chewing their paws? [Other reasons

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